Pro-Israel Lobby Defeated in Michigan as El-Sayed Wins Senate Primary
The race became a test of AIPAC’s influence and Democrats’ changing attitudes toward Israel and the war in Gaza.
In Michigan's recent U.S. Senate primary, Abdul El-Sayed, a physician and former health director for Detroit and Wayne County, defeated Haley Stevens, a Democrat, by a narrow margin. The pro-Israel lobby spent nearly $30 million in an attempt to stop El-Sayed's nomination, but the Democrat ultimately won by a slim margin. This marked the largest sum ever committed to a single race by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
El-Sayed's campaign focused on issues such as Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, ending U.S. military aid to Israel, and attacking his opponent's support for Israel. Stevens, who called herself a "proud pro-Israel Democrat," rarely engaged the issue of AIPAC's influence. The result could have significant implications for the Senate, as Michigan's seat is open due to Senator Gary Peters' retirement.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Abdul El-Sayed defeats Aipac-backed rival in Michigan Democratic Senate primary, NBC reports middleeasteye.net
- Abdul El-Sayed backer on road ahead in Michigan Senate race after Haley Stevens defeat cbsnews.com
- Progressive Abdul El-Sayed wins Democratic primary in Michigan, a key battle for the party's future elpais.com
- Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate primary — a major victory for progressives politico.com
